Replies

This is a “no-brainer”. First of all, we need to separate genres, so that there are no “apples to oranges” comparisons.

The three genres I will address are: a. Popular Music Vocalist (pre-Rock era); b. Rock n Roll era Vocalist; and c. Opera.

In each one of these genres there have been myriad popular stars, singers, etc. But none-the-less, in each one of these genres there has been ONE - and ONLY ONE - individual whose vocal style, range, expression, emotion and the ability to communicate to the soul of the listener clearly surpassed that of his contemporaries.

Ready? Here we go.

1. Popular Music Vocalist: AL JOLSON (aka “The World’s Greatest Entertainer”). The man whom all vocalists who came afterwards idolized (Bing, Frankie, etc.) It helped that he had a near-operatic range, but it was the emotion he projected in the way that he LIVED each song that he sang that created the “Jolson Magic” or “Oscamazoola” that lives to this day through his records.

2. Rock n Roll Era: FREDDIE MERCURY. Much of the above commentary regarding vocal range and projection of emotion that I wrote regarding Jolson also applies to Mercury within the Rock genre. There has simply never been a rock n roller with a voice remotely as powerful - or subtle, when he wanted it to be, as Mercury.

3. Opera: ENRICO CARUSO. Listen to one of his digitally remastered recordings, and, even given the limitations of the recording technology of his day, the clarity and emotion in his voice are still breath-taking. And second to none.

A final note to you, the reader: You need not be a fan of these three singers or consider them to be your personal favorites in order to recognize them as the greatest ever.

If popularity is the game you are playing, then you are almost certain to get the answer wrong.

In my opinion, of course. (Which happens to be correct with near-mathematicaly certainty, in this case).

;>)